Hawaiian Mythology and Legends
Turquoise pacific resting in the lap of emerald green nature, laced with white dazzling beaches with the contrasting frame of urbane alluring skyline, exciting night lives, thrilling scuba diving topped with the sensuous beauties of Hawaiian women…this is precisely what defines the popular Hawaiian holiday packages.
But believe me, there exists yet another world under the cover of this glossy Hawaii and that is the world of mystery and ambiguity- the world of ancient myths and legends. Modernity may mock at them, but it is the mythology and folklore that provided the premise for the cultural evolution of modern Hawaii. In order to better understand the colorful Hawaiian culture and its people, you must take a brief journey into the world of Hawaiian mythology. Even if you happen to be a staunch non-believer in such things as witchcrafts or supernatural powers, these exciting Hawaiian legends and folklores will help you to take a plunge in the vast expanse of imagination and exotic creativity.
Interesting places to visit- of legendary importance
As you marvel around this picturesque island country you will come across a number of sacred places and each place has a fascinating tale to tell. When you visit them just recall these legends and it will add another dimension to your sightseeing experiences. Here are some of the most interesting legends:
When you are visiting the Waianapanapa cave in a picturesque location of Hana, East Maui, just contrast the tranquility of the place with the eerie legend that murmurs in the winds. According to the legend, the beautiful Princess Popoalaea was murdered here by her jealous husband and every spring the shrimps observe the sad event by lending a red hue to the cave!
When you are visiting the site called Puukohola heiau in Kohala District in Big Islands, keep it in mind that the War Temple here is dedicated to War God Ku and it is the place where human sacrifices used to take place routinely. According to the legends, rocks here still bleed. The local people come here to offer their prayers to the ancient Gods; you can also seek the blessing from primitive natural forces that are believed to reside here for millennia.
The myth of Goddess Pele connecting Kilauea volcano
Once in Hawaii, it is impossible not to hear about the myths surrounding Pele, the fire Goddess. The myths prevent you from collecting lava rocks, for this is an action that may evoke the rage of the fire goddess; then the myth instructs you to always help a lady in red cloth with a white dog, there are big chances of woman’s being Goddess Pele herself. You better remember this ancient piece of mythology when you visit Kilauea volcano in Big Islands, for it is the legendary abode of Goddess Pele.
What about a piece of modern legend? In that case you must visit the South Point in Kau District, again in Big Islands. Here the legends relate to the UFO landings. Local residents had been kind enough to build smooth landing strips for our alien guests; so keep your eyes open when you visit this place. Who can tell, you might be among the luckiest few to get to see the ‘man’ from the other world.
The descriptions of Hawaiian mythologies remain incomplete without the Menehune, the little people living in the darkness of the forests that descend to the localities in groups to work at nights only. Your Hawaiian guide may point out to an unfinished wall as the contribution of Menehune clan, for they leave the work instantly at the break of dawn, if they can not finish the work during dark.
In this age of science and technology, people scoff at the imagination of primitive men. But mythologies have their own value; with a brush up with these extremely creative folklores, an unknown Hawaii- mysterious and dramatic- is sure to unfold before your eyes.